This year I will be making the same kinds of festive treats and I will decorating the house with just a few things to put us in the Christmas spirit. I've also decided to make mulled wine again as it was so delicious and warming last year.

Mulled wine, variations of which are popular in Europe, is wine, usually red, combined with spices and typically served warm. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas and Halloween.

Mulled wine, aka gluhwein, glögg, vin fiert or vin brulé, is drunk in many European countries around Christmas, but it is particularly associated with German and Nordic traditions where so-called “glogg” parties are a holiday season staple. It is usually prepared from red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, cloves, citrus and sugar. Glühwein is drunk pure or "mit Schuss" (with a shot), which means there is rum or liqueur added. The French name is vin chaud (hot wine).

I used a recipe from Jamie Oliver and so I thought I would share the recipe today because, as he says, it's "Christmas in a glass."

Peel large sections of peel from the citrus using a peeler. Put the sugar in a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the pieces of peel and squeeze in the clementine juice. Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves and about 10 to 12 gratings of nutmeg. Add halved vanilla pod and stir in just enough red wine to cover the sugar. Let this simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved into the red wine and then bring to the boil. Keep on a rolling boil for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the liquid transforms into a thick syrup. This creates a flavour base because the sugar and spices infuse with the wine.

When the syrup is ready turn the heat down to low and add star anise and both bottles of wine. Gently heat the wine and after around 5 minutes, when it’s warm and delicious, ladle it into glasses and serve.

I love that you are doing Christmas in July and so appreciate the recipe as I do love red wine. The links were great as well. I think my favorite around Christmas time is "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas".

It is more like Christmas weather where you are... at least the Christmas that I was used to.I love your beautiful pictures and the warm and cozy feel they bring. I'm putting your delicious recipe away until November.Happy Christmas in July!xo Yvonne

What a brilliant idea Christmas in July is! I've always found it funny that Australians I know in London talk about our Christmas feeling "like a proper Christmas". I'd always assumed that whatever you grew up with is what feels "proper" but I suppose all those cards with snow and roaring log fires seeps into people's psyches! We always have mulled wine at Christmas and although we use the same spices as that Jamie recipe we always include some spirit, such as brandy, as it really enhances the flavour. Finally (sorry this is turning into a blog post!) a Christmas song I love is Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses. It always makes me feel really happy and festive. And anything from the Phil Spector's Christmas Gift Just For You LP. Merry Christmas!

One of my favorite beverages to serve when I have a group coming during the holidays. I save your recipe, it sounds delicious.. Christmas in July for your Sunday Song is a way enjoy a little of my favorite holiday.Thanks for sharing.

HI Natasha! Oh, this sounds so wonderful to have Christmas in July!! Thank you for the recipe too. Thank you for inviting me to join your Sunday Song party. You know, I'm always singing! :)Be a sweetie,Shelia ;)

Hello my friend! So good of you to drop by to say "hey!" I'll have to get busy and add to "Sunday Song", have missed it since Christmas. Love the idea of Christmas in July...all year would suit me fine!XoXoXoJoy @ tomorrowsmemorieskjlb.blogspot.com

Wow.. you've got me feeling all christmassy ~ and then I went outside and got a reality check. lolThanks for following the spoonful blog ~ I am always happy to meet new friends. My favorite christmas song.. tough one.. probably Christmas Canon's by the Trans Siberian Orchestra.Have a fantastic day.

You do Christmas in July? Okay, now that is rocking! I do something similar for my birthday which is Christmas in September. I hope you won't be offended if I include a link. If so, feel free to delete the comment, okay?

Love the idea of Christmas in July :) Unfortunately here in my neck of the woods we have been experiencing 100 degree weather for the past few weeks so Christmas will have to wait till December! Frank Sinatra's " Let It Snow" always does it for me. Hope you have a great time celebrating

I've printed out the recipe and I'm going to be trying it out this Christmas! Thank you so much! Also, love the picture of Ella Fitzgerald, one of my favorites! I'm now one of your followers. Can't wait to see more of your inspirations.

Dear Natasha, I love your spirit. Your blog is full of energy, fun and love. Merry Christmas and many blessings, Catherine xoThank you for your visit to my blog and for leaving a kind comment. I look forward to the visits.

Hi Natasha, what a wonderful post. It is weird to think that our summer is your winter ... no wonder Christmas in July is a great idea. I love your photos and ideas, but thinking of Christmas right now is overwhelming, lol.

I don't think that I have ever had mulled wine either...It does look wonderful...for a few months down the road. How fun to do a Christmas themed party in July...Believe it or not Hubs and I were just talking about Christmas plans...It is NEVER to early to talk about Christmas! :) ~Liz

I'll take a glass of that wonderful wine!!My favorite Christmas song...that doesn't make me cry is Santa Baby by Ertha Kitt....not if you want to see me really cry...White Christmas...it reminds me of home!

Thanks for stopping by my Song of the Week. I love your blog! I'll be checking out your Sunday Song. One of my favorite Christmas albums is "Christmastime with the Judds" and I'm not even a big fan of country music but it's beautiful. I can't wait to make that mulled wine. Right now it's 90 degrees here so I don't think just yet!

Natasha, how wonderful to have you join in the party. When I saw your picture linked up I was thrilled. I would so love sharing some of that mulled wine with you. Yummy.

I have so many favorite Christmas songs but my favorite is O Holy Night, especially when sung by Andrea Bocelli. I also love a new one I encountered a couple of years ago. It's by a band called Downhere and the song is titled How Many Kings. Absolutely beautiful melody and lyrics.

Beautiful! We do mulled wine in my home as well and I agree it is truly Christmas in a glass! There is just something about the smell, mixed with cranberries that fills the home. Beautifully done, thanks for adding this lovely post to the Christmas in July party.

"There is magic in long-distance friendships. They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more profound." ~Diana CortesThank you for visiting, dear friend.

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My main blog, www.natashainoz.com is about my life and home in Australia. I share decorating ideas, recipes, styling tips and all things beautiful. I also have an education blog, Educator in Oz, where I share resources, ideas and observations. Please visit soon!

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